The pace bowler has taken 309 Test scalps in 71 Test matches with an impressive average.
The Australian chief selector the selector has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might be unavailable due to a stress fracture in his back that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the squad suggested no final decision had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series set to start on November 21 in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that Cummins is "building up" and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"It's clear that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations involved, aside from his injury, but additional elements," he commented.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck from the opening match. Should that not happen, then we'll pick it up."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out the ODI and T20 games against New Zealand and India recently after examinations confirmed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of back injuries, with flare-ups in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from three Australian summers in a limited period.
He emphasized he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his comeback strategy to make the squad for the series.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of soreness in his side.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "in a good place to resume bowling."
"Extensive planning has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an batting and bowling option," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the bat in limited-overs, even if it just sets him back for a short period, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
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