Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"We know that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, not only the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
He mentioned that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
