The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, not only the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he will feature a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
