Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
