The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, not just his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
