The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and stated that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
