Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
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