The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief the selector has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in this winter's Ashes series.
There were concerns that Cummins might miss the series due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the likelihood of participating.
"It's clear that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, not only the back issue, but further aspects," Bailey remarked.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Past Concerns
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against India and New Zealand in the previous weeks after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of recurring issues, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a short span.
Cummins stated he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the series.
He mentioned that there was no confirmation if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to recover fully for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will lead the side.
The talented all-rounder was withdrawn recently from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "slight concern and stated that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
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The Historic Rivalry
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