Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, not only his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
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The Historic Rivalry
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