The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
