The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest.
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 the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
