The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, aside from his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and stated that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
