The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
