Pat Cummins has taken 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming 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.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their limited-overs matches against India 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."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
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