The Australian skipper has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors involved, not only his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a major part. Hopefully starting in Perth. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss several home seasons in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the contest.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "small issue and confirmed that Green will play in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches in any case. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we opted to take a cautious route."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
