The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, not just his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. With luck starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
