The Australian skipper has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, not only the physical problem, but other factors as well," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"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 opted to adopt a safer strategy."
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The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
