The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"We know that the clock is ticking and there are permutations around that, not only his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
