The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, not just his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. With luck it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
