The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
