The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has stated that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Perth.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants 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 Sheffield Shield, 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 dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
