The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, not only his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
