Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"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 another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
