The Australian skipper has taken 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, not just his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he will feature a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back 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
