The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, not just the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Injury History
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated 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, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
