The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, not just the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a major part. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
