The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors at play, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
