The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation 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 first Test.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
