The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, not just his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
