Pat Cummins has taken 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, not just the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
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