The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, not only his injury, but additional elements," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he will feature a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
