The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
