The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian selection chief Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches set to start on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and there are permutations at play, aside from his injury, but additional elements," the selector added.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he will feature a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the series.
The selector indicated that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to participate for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
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The Historic Rivalry
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