Pat Cummins has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, not just the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of 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 series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
