The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors at play, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
