The Australian skipper has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
