The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
