The Australian skipper has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, not just the back issue, but further aspects," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
