The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations around that, aside from his injury, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Injury History
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
