The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
