Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors involved, not only his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
