The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations at play, not just his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
