Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
