The Australian skipper has secured 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, not only his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the opening match as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
