Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, not just his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
