The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, 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 significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay 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
