Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
