The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
