The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors the selector has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. With luck it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand recently after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of back injuries, with recurrences 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 there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game 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 a short period, we just made the decision to approach this more conservatively."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
