The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. With luck it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
