The fast bowler Set to Play a Significant Contribution in Ashes Series
The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, not just the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
