Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, not only the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Injury History
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand recently after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
