The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out 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 his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, aside from his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the series.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
