The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, not just his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
