The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
