Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
