The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors involved, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
