Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, aside from his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Injury History
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan 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 rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
