The pace bowler has secured 309 wickets in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest set to start on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations at play, not just the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
Spanning from late 2025 to early 2026