The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"We know that the clock is ticking and there are permutations around that, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he will feature a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
