The Australian skipper has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations at play, not just the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026