Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest kicking off on the 21st of November in the WACA.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," he commented.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
