The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors at play, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
