The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and stated that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
