Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
