The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, aside from his injury, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. Hopefully it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Injury History
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
