The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
