The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, aside from his injury, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. Ideally from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, 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 dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
