Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors involved, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences 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 comeback strategy to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
