The Australian skipper has claimed 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
