Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, not only his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
