Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
