The Australian skipper has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors around that, not only the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
