The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about his chances of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, not just his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of back injuries, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
