The pace bowler has secured over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Rumors had circulated that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the extended contest scheduled to begin on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that the captain is progressing and felt positive about his chances of taking part.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and there are permutations involved, not just the physical problem, but additional elements," Bailey remarked.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
Previous incidents include of back injuries, with recurrences in multiple past seasons leading to absences from several home seasons in four years.
He emphasized he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that it was unclear if Cummins had begun bowling as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "pressing" for him to be fit for the initial match.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, former captain Steve Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their limited-overs matches against the subcontinent side as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "slight concern and stated that he'll feature in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to deliver overs."
"Considerable effort has gone into building out the plan for him to be available for the first Test as an batting and bowling option," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the initial matches regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for another day, the choice was made to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
