The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, not just the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. With luck it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
