The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
