The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
He mentioned that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the national team for their ODI contests 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 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 be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
