The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he will feature a key capacity. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan 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 in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
