The Australian skipper has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, not just his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
