The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest kicking off on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, aside from his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
