The Australian skipper has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, not only his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
