Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
