The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors involved, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
