Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors at play, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of back injuries, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability 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 be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
