Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
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 the WACA.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
