The Australian skipper has taken over 300 dismissals in 71 five-day games with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will be a central figure in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that Cummins might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that remained unresolved.
Initial reports from the Australian camp suggested no definitive call had been made regarding his involvement, with the extended contest set to start on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the likelihood of participating.
"We're aware that time is getting short and there are permutations at play, not just the physical problem, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a major part. With luck it's the first Test. Should that not happen, we'll adjust."
Injury History
The captain missed the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals in the previous weeks after scans revealed a stress reaction in his back.
There is a track record of recurring issues, with flare-ups in 2012-13, 2013-14 and 2015-16 causing him to miss multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that he did not know if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his comeback but conceded it was "pressing" for him to regain fitness for the opener.
Alternative Arrangements
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
All-rounder Cameron Green was withdrawn recently from the national team for their ODI contests against India as a safety move because of an abdominal issue.
He labeled it as a "minor" injury and confirmed that he's scheduled to appear in the Sheffield Shield, so will be "ideally positioned to resume bowling."
"We put so much time has gone into building out the plan for him to take part for the initial game as an dual-role player," he elaborated.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the starting games in any case. The way he swings the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, we just made the decision to adopt a safer strategy."
Fixture Details
The Ashes: Australia v England
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
