Pat Cummins has taken 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors involved, not only his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
