The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
