Pat Cummins has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
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