The Australian skipper has claimed 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not just the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
