Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, not only the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and stated that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
