The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
