The Australian skipper has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, not only the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
