The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, not only the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the opening match as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
