The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
