The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, not only the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
