The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to ensure his availability 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 "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
