Pat Cummins Poised for a Significant Contribution in Ashes Series
The Australian skipper has taken 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
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