The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026