Pat Cummins Set to Play a Significant Contribution in the Ashes
Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, not only the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
