The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
