The Australian skipper has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an average of 22.10.
Australia's chief selector the selector has confirmed that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a stress fracture in his back that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, aside from the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. Ideally it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Previous Setbacks
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
Previous incidents include of recurring issues, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the series.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Contingency Plans
Should Cummins not be fit, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a preventive step because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to take part for the opening match as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"He was only going to play the initial matches regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
The Historic Rivalry
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
