The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out 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 extended contest set to start on 21 November in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"We know that time is getting short and multiple considerations involved, not only his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
