Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined 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 three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
