The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
