The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
