The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"We know that the clock is ticking and there are permutations around that, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
