The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, not just his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded 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.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
