The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of participating.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, not just the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the series.
He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
