The Australian skipper has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, not just the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand recently after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
