Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. Ideally from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear 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 participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
