Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, aside from his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
