The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and various factors at play, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
