The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, not only his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
