Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, not just his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. With luck from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of back injuries, with setbacks 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 comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
