Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors involved, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and stated that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
