The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad 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.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about his chances of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not just his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
