The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
