The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, not just the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
