The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
