The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, aside from his injury, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
