Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, not just his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
