Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, not just his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
