The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series 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 his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
