The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, aside from his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. With luck it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
