The pace bowler has secured 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, aside from his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
