The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that Cummins might sit out 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 extended contest kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
