The Australian skipper has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming historic rivalry.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," he commented.
"It's positive. 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."
Injury History
The captain missed the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
