The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations at play, not just his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process 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 acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized 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 developing the strategy for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
