The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
