The Australian skipper has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, not only the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. Ideally from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches 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 leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the series.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
