Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" 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 the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand recently after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. His aggressive style 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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