Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated 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, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
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