Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, aside from his injury, but additional elements," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he will feature a major part. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss several home seasons in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
