Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and various factors involved, not only his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
