The Australian skipper has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has confirmed 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 stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, aside from his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and stated 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 opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
