Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, not only his injury, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. Ideally 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 last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
