Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the series.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, 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 opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
