Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss 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 series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
