The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. 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 take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
