Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, not only the physical problem, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
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