The Australian skipper has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" 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 remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
