The Australian skipper has claimed 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not only the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
