The Australian skipper has secured 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined 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 back injuries, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
