The Australian skipper has taken 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, not just his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the initial game as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches in any case. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
