The pace bowler has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
The selector shared that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, not only the physical problem, but other factors as well," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully from the opening match. Otherwise, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with recurrences in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but acknowledged it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the Asian giants as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, should it hinder progress for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
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