The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, not just his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
