The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss several home seasons in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
