The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"We know 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's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
