The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned 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 he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
