The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
