Pat Cummins has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, aside from his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
