The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, not just his injury, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the initial game as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
