The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming historic rivalry.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, not only his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" 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 acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
