Pat Cummins has taken 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, not just his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the series.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
