The Australian skipper has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, not just the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
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