The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, not only the physical problem, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
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 several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
