The pace bowler has claimed 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that the clock is ticking and there are permutations around that, aside from the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Ideally from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Injury History
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
