Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable 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 Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, not only his injury, but further aspects," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
