The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that captain Pat Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, not just his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and stated that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
