The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"We know that time is getting short and there are permutations involved, not only the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"It's positive. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
