The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations around that, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns 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.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
