The Australian skipper has taken 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
