The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We know that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, aside from the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the opening match as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
