The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors at play, not only his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear 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 be available for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
