The Australian skipper has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, not just his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
