The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations around that, aside from the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. 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 approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
