The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and there are permutations around that, not only the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences 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 comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, 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 an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
