The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors at play, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
