Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations at play, not only the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
