The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, aside from his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, 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
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
