Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations around that, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
