The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, not only his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
