The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has declared that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of being involved.
"We know that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, not just the back issue, but additional elements," he commented.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in four years.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
