The Australian skipper has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and various factors involved, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. With luck starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
