The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, not just the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Injury History
The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
