Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
