Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations around that, not only his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
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The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
