The pace bowler has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
