Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of participating.
"We know that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. With luck starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process 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 admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
