The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors involved, not only his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
