The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
