The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors at play, not just his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
