The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of participating.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors around that, not just the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. Ideally from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups 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 recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
