Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
