The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
