The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors at play, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
