The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
