Pat Cummins has taken 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
