The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, aside from the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
