The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and there are permutations at play, not just his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches in any case. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
