The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, not only the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, we'll reassess."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
