The Australian skipper has claimed 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
He mentioned that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
