The pace bowler has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he will feature a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Injury History
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.
He mentioned that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
