The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, aside from his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
