Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, not just his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he will feature a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve 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 discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
