Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
