The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations around that, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play 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 be available for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
