The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the prospects of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he will feature a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
