The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision 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 taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
