The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, not only the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
