The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in the WACA.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, not just the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"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 initial matches anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
