The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
