The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, not only his injury, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
