The pace bowler has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of being involved.
"It's clear that time is getting short and various factors at play, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a key capacity. With luck starting in Perth. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 forcing him out of several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the contest.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to be available for the first Test as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
