The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a major part. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.
He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game 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, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
