Pat Cummins has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"We know that time is getting short and there are permutations around that, not only his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"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 opted to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
