The Australian skipper has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the series.
He mentioned that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
