The Australian skipper has claimed 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts 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 comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized 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 resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
