The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, aside from his injury, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
