The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
