The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations around that, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. Ideally from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
