Pat Cummins has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, aside from his injury, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the initial game as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
