The pace bowler has secured 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations at play, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
