The Australian skipper has claimed 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. With luck it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
