The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, not only the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the series.
He mentioned that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear 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 be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
