Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. With luck from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and stated that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
