Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India 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 domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
