The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision 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 the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
