The fast bowler Set to Play a Significant Contribution in the Ashes
Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
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