The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
