The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, not just his injury, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
