The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, not only the physical problem, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned 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 all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
