The pace bowler has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
