The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized 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."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
