Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that time is getting short and there are permutations around that, not only the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that he did not know 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.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
