Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not only his injury, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss several home seasons in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
