The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief the selector has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and various factors around that, not only his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he will feature a major part. With luck it's the first Test. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand last month after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to participate for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Ashes: Australia v England
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026
