Pat Cummins has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, not only his injury, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
