The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
