The pace bowler has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, not only his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
