The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, not just his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
