Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors at play, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks 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.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated 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 be available for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
