The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations around that, not just his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
