The Australian skipper has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
