The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches set to start on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the likelihood of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations around that, not just the back issue, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he will feature a major part. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the contest.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and stated that Green will play in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the opening match as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the initial matches anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to take a cautious route."
Series Schedule
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
