The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
