The fast bowler Expected to Feature a Key Part in the Ashes
The Australian skipper has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, not just the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
