Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
