Pat Cummins Set to Play a Significant Contribution in the Ashes
The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he will feature a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
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