The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
