The Australian skipper has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector 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 be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
