The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
