The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
