Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, not just the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, 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 first Test as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
