Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, not just his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
