The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, not only the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
