The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, not just his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
