The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" 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 had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of participating.
"It's clear that time is getting short and various factors involved, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
