The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, not only the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a key capacity. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
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.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the national team for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
