The pace bowler has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, aside from his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
