The Australian skipper has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and various factors around that, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
