The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors at play, not only his injury, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
