The fast bowler Expected to Feature a Key Part in Ashes Series
The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chair of selectors Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming Ashes series.
There were concerns that the 32-year-old might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations involved, aside from his injury, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India last month after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "small issue and confirmed that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"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.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games 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 approach this more conservatively."
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