The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Perth.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors involved, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. With luck from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
