Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, not only his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
