The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
