The Australian skipper has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the likelihood of participating.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, aside from his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. With luck starting in Perth. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the contest.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
