The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, not only the physical problem, but other factors as well," he commented.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history 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 recovery plan to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
