Pat Cummins has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
