The fast bowler Expected to Feature a Major Role in Iconic Rivalry
The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. Ideally starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized 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."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
