Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
