The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and there are permutations around that, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a major part. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
