The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, not just his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. With luck from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
