The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, not only the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
