The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors at play, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
