The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
