The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
