The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
