Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
