The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, not only the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, 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The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
