Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, we'll reassess."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
