Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
