The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. With luck starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
