The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, not only the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
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 recovery but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, 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 opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
