The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the first Test as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
