The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
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 lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
