The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on the 21st of November in Perth.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, not only his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the series.
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 regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
