Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and confirmed 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 take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
