Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," he commented.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
