The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
