The pace bowler has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and there are permutations around that, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
