Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
