Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"We know that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
