Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," he commented.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Injury History
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play 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 be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"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, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
