Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
