The fast bowler Poised for a Key Part in the Ashes
Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not only his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he will feature a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
He mentioned that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
