Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management 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 Western Australia.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
