The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand recently after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
