Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a major part. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
