Pat Cummins has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, not only the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
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