Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations around that, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play 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 participate for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
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The Historic Rivalry
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