The pace bowler has secured 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, not only the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he will feature a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
