The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
