The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue 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 kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors at play, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
