The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
