Australia's captain Poised for a Significant Contribution in the Ashes
The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
