The pace bowler has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 appearances with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has stated that pace spearhead Cummins will have a crucial role in this winter's England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches kicking off on the 21st of November in the WACA.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and felt positive about his chances of participating.
"We're aware that the clock is ticking and multiple considerations at play, not just the back issue, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. We firmly believe that he's going to play a significant role. With luck it's the first Test. If not, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in four years.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his rehabilitation process to make the squad for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "getting tight" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Backup Options
Should Cummins not be fit, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was excluded lately from the ODI lineup for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of discomfort in his torso.
He labeled it as a "small issue and mentioned 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 opening match as an all-rounder," the selector detailed.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs regardless. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, even if it just sets him back for a short period, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
Australia vs England: The Ashes
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
