Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
