The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of participating.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
