Pat Cummins has claimed 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
