The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors around that, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
