The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"We know that the clock is ticking and there are permutations around that, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
