The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest.
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 the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, not only his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
