Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors involved, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," he commented.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
