The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, not just the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons 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 he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
