Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
