The Australian skipper has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, not only his injury, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged 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.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
