The Australian skipper has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern 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 batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
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The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
