Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and various factors at play, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, we'll reassess."
Injury History
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
