The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, not just the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
