The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, not only his injury, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
