The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, 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 recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
