The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
