The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, not only his injury, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, 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 take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
