The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
