The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, not just his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
