Pat Cummins has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
