The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors around that, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," he commented.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
