The Australian skipper has claimed 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. With luck starting in Perth. If not, we'll reassess."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
