Australia's captain Expected to Feature a Major Role in Ashes Series
The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
