The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. With luck it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, 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 batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
