The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
