Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations around that, not just his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared 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.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
