The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
