The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, aside from his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
