The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, not just his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
He mentioned that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
