Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
