Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Perth.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not only the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
