The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, not just his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability 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 be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
