The Australian skipper has claimed 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, not just the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he will feature a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
