The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of taking part.
"It's clear that time is getting short and various factors at play, not only the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the starting games in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for a short period, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
