The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, aside from his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. Ideally it's the first Test. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the series.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and confirmed that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress 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
