The Australian skipper has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chief selector Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no final decision had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the five-Test series kicking off on 21 November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that time is getting short and various factors involved, not just his injury, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. There's strong faith that he's going to play a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. If not, then we'll pick it up."
Injury History
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss several home seasons in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a precautionary measure because of soreness in his side.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "in a good place to deliver overs."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the starting games anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we opted to take a cautious route."
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