The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
