The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on 21 November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors around that, aside from his injury, but additional elements," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. With luck from the opening match. Otherwise, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of back injuries, with recurrences in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to ensure his availability for the contest.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against India as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed 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 building out the plan for him to participate for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. His aggressive style the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
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