The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
