The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old 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 five-Test series scheduled to begin 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 window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the series.
He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games anyway. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
