Pat Cummins has taken 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. With luck from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.
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 ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
