The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.
"It's clear that time is getting short and various factors involved, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the series.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
