Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, aside from his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of back injuries, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the contest.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
