The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We know that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, not only the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches in any case. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
