The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of 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 it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned 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.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
