The Australian skipper has claimed 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's selection chief George Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the upcoming England-Australia contest.
There were concerns that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a ongoing back issue that remained unresolved.
Previous updates from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and felt positive about the likelihood of taking part.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors involved, aside from the back issue, but additional elements," the selector added.
"It's positive. We firmly believe that he's going to play a major part. Hopefully from the opening match. If not, we'll reassess."
Previous Setbacks
He was sidelined the ODI and T20 games against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of spinal problems, with recurrences in several earlier campaigns causing him to miss several home seasons in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his recovery plan to secure his spot for the Ashes.
The selector indicated that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the first Test.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will assume leadership.
All-rounder Cameron Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their one-day international series against India as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
The selector characterized it as a "small issue and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "in a good place to be ready to bowl."
"We put so much time has gone into creating the schedule for him to participate for the first Test as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the initial matches anyway. How he handles the willow in shorter formats, if it causes any delay for another day, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
