The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, not only his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
