Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, not only the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
