The Australian skipper has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he will feature a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and stated that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
