The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, not only his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
