The Australian skipper has taken 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, aside from his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
