Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, not only the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
