The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not just the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the contest.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
