Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, not just his injury, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, 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 initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
