The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
