The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, not just his injury, but further aspects," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
