Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns 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 official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the opening match as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
