The pace bowler has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
The Australian chair of selectors George Bailey has stated that skipper Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding his involvement, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in Perth.
Bailey expressed that the captain is progressing and remained hopeful about the prospects of being involved.
"We know that the clock is ticking and various factors involved, not only the physical problem, but additional elements," he commented.
"The outlook is good. We firmly believe that he'll participate in a key capacity. With luck it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
Cummins was ruled out Australia's limited-overs series against India and New Zealand last month after examinations confirmed a lower back issue.
He has a history of back injuries, with setbacks in several earlier campaigns leading to absences from multiple domestic campaigns in a limited period.
The bowler mentioned he would be proactive in his approach in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but admitted it was "becoming urgent" for him to be fit for the first Test.
Alternative Arrangements
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against the Asian giants as a safety move because of discomfort in his torso.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he'll feature in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into developing the strategy for him to be available for the first Test as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs regardless. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, even if it just sets him back for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
