The Australian skipper has secured 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and there are permutations around that, not only his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
