The Australian skipper has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations at play, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games anyway. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
