The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
