The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
