Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
