The Australian skipper has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure 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 was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, not only the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
