The fast bowler Expected to Feature a Major Role in Ashes Series
The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and various factors at play, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
