Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
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The Historic Rivalry
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