The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, not only the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the contest.
He mentioned that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
