The Australian skipper has secured 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, not just the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a major part. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot 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 "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
