The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
