The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
