The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
