Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, not only his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the series.
He mentioned that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
