Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, not only his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
