Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, not just the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
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