The pace bowler has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, not only his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
