Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has confirmed 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 persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, not just his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
