Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, not only his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
