Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, not just his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. With luck from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
