Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations around that, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.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 confirmed that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
