The Australian skipper has taken 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
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.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
