The pace bowler has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
