Pat Cummins has taken 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a major part. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
