The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
