The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, not only his injury, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
