The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
