The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors at play, not just the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the contest.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
