The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
