Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
