The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a key capacity. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons 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 ensure his availability for the contest.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from the national team for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and stated that he'll feature in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games anyway. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026