Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, not just his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series 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 several earlier campaigns causing him to miss three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
