Pat Cummins has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, not only his injury, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
