The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an average of 22.10.
Australia's selection chief Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
The selector shared that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors involved, not just his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the white-ball matches against India and New Zealand recently after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the initial game as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
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