The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors at play, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
