Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
