Pat Cummins has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a key capacity. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and stated that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
