The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors involved, not only his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
