Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and there are permutations around that, not just the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
