Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in Perth.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, not only the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss three Australian summers in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated 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 opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
