The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors around that, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the first Test as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. 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."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
