The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors at play, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a major part. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
