The Australian skipper has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he will feature a major part. With luck starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
