Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, not only the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
