Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, not only the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and stated that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
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