Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, not only his injury, but additional elements," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he will feature a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
