The Australian skipper has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chief selector the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the extended contest kicking off on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of participating.
"It's clear that time is getting short and multiple considerations at play, not just the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"The outlook is good. There's strong faith that he'll participate in a significant role. Hopefully starting in Perth. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that he did not know if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the Asian giants as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," he elaborated.
"His involvement was limited to the first two ODIs in any case. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for 24 more hours, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
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