The Australian skipper has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, not just his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
