The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in Perth.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, not only his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate 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 a short period, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
