The Australian skipper has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, aside from his injury, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
