Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, not only the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
