The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.
"It's clear that time is getting short and various factors involved, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a major part. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns 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.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
