Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not just his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the contest.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants 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 "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 batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
