The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad 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 the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the opening match as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"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 another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
