The Australian skipper has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. 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."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
