The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations at play, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
