The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in Perth.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
