The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"We know that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, aside from his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. 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 lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
