Australia's captain Poised for a Significant Contribution in the Ashes
Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, not just the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that he'll feature 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 be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
