Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
