The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, not only his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
