The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, not only his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
