The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector the selector has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not just his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
