The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure 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 remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors around that, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
