The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot 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 opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
