Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, not only the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the contest.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
