The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
