The Australian skipper has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors at play, not just his injury, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
