The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
