The Australian skipper has taken 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might miss the series 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 Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, aside from his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
