The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead 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.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"We know that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, not just his injury, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. If not, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs regardless. His aggressive style the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
