The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and various factors at play, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a major part. With luck it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
