The pace bowler has secured 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups 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 recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
