Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and there are permutations around that, not only the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
