The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations around that, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
