The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches 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.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
