The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" 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 excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
