The pace bowler has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable 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 Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, not just his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.
He mentioned that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games anyway. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
