Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
