The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and various factors at play, not only his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. Ideally from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"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," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
