The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has declared that captain Pat Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and there are permutations at play, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"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, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
