Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, not just his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
