Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
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 be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
