The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the likelihood of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
