The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming historic rivalry.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
