The Australian skipper has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has declared 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 ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest kicking off on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted 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 initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs 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."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
