The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, not just his injury, but further aspects," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
