The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and there are permutations around that, aside from his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
