The fast bowler Expected to Feature a Major Role in the Ashes
The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, not just his injury, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
