Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
