The pace bowler has taken 309 wickets in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and remained hopeful about the prospects of participating.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, not just his injury, but other factors as well," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he will feature a major part. Ideally starting in Perth. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but conceded it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, veteran batsman Smith will assume leadership.
The talented all-rounder was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," Bailey explained.
"His involvement was limited to the starting games anyway. How he handles the bat in limited-overs, if it causes any delay for a short period, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
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The Historic Rivalry
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