The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not just his injury, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
