Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
