The Australian skipper has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, not only the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
