Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
