Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
