The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chair of selectors the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations around that, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a key capacity. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of spinal problems, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from 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 contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "slight concern and stated that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
