Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, aside from his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and stated that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
