Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, not only his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay 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
