The Australian skipper has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, aside from his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
