The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
