Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"We know that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, aside from his injury, but further aspects," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
