The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, not only his injury, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
