Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
