Pat Cummins has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, not just his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
