Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey 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 ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, not only the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the contest.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
