The Australian skipper has claimed 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors at play, aside from his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
