The Australian skipper has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
The Australian selection chief the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on 21 November in Western Australia.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors around that, not just his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
