Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that time is getting short and there are permutations around that, aside from his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the series.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. His aggressive style 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
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
