The Australian skipper has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that time is getting short and various factors at play, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
