Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, not only the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
