The fast bowler Expected to Feature a Major Role in Ashes Series
Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, aside from his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss three Australian summers in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
