The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, aside from his injury, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
