The Australian skipper has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. With luck starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
