Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Injury History
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record 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 bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
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