Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, not only the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. Ideally from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
