The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors around that, not just the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
