The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
