Pat Cummins has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors at play, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
He mentioned that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
