The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, not only the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. With luck starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and stated 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 opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
