The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations at play, not only his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
