Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, not just the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he will feature a major part. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
