Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
