The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to 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 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
