Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors around that, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
