The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors at play, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
