The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, not only his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand recently after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
