The fast bowler Set to Play a Major Role in Ashes Series
Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, not only the physical problem, but other factors as well," he commented.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026