The Australian skipper has taken 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not only the physical problem, but other factors as well," he commented.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. With luck starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
