Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
