The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector the selector has stated that skipper 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 had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and various factors involved, not just the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman 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 "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
