The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, not only the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Injury History
The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
