The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
