The Australian skipper has taken 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
