The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
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.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, not only his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
