The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead 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 ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and there are permutations around that, not only his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
