The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to take a cautious route."
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From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
