The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors at play, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy 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 admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
