Pat Cummins has taken 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and there are permutations around that, not only his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
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