The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, we'll reassess."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
