The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, not just his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
