The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
