The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, not just his injury, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks 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 several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
