The Australian skipper has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has stated that pace spearhead 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 stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, aside from his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
