The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications 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 the WACA.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
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