The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of taking part.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors around that, not just the back issue, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons causing him to miss several home seasons in four years.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
