Pat Cummins Expected to Feature a Major Role in the Ashes
The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
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