The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, aside from his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
