The Australian skipper has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
