Pat Cummins has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
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The Historic Rivalry
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