The pace bowler has secured 309 wickets in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on November 21 in the WACA.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, not just the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the contest.
He mentioned that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
