The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations around that, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," he commented.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Ideally it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Injury History
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
