The Australian skipper has claimed over 300 dismissals in 71 Test matches with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that skipper Cummins will have a crucial role in the forthcoming England-Australia contest.
Speculation had been growing that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a persistent back stress problem that was still troubling him.
Earlier indications from the squad suggested no definitive call had been made regarding whether he would play, with the five-Test series scheduled to begin on 21 November in Perth.
The selector shared that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of taking part.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and there are permutations involved, not only his injury, but additional elements," the selector added.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he's going to play a key capacity. Hopefully it's the first Test. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Injury History
The captain missed Australia's limited-overs series against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals last month after examinations confirmed a lumbar bone stress.
He has a history of recurring issues, with flare-ups in multiple past seasons forcing him out of three Australian summers in a limited period.
Cummins stated he would be bold in recovery efforts in his comeback strategy to secure his spot for the Ashes.
Bailey noted that there was no confirmation if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his recovery but acknowledged it was "becoming urgent" for him to regain fitness for the initial match.
Backup Options
If he's unavailable, former captain Steve Smith will lead the side.
All-rounder Cameron Green was excluded lately from Australia's squad for their limited-overs matches against India as a preventive step because of soreness in his side.
The selector characterized it as a "minor" injury and stated that he's scheduled to appear in the state-level matches, so will be "well-prepared to deliver overs."
"Extensive planning has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the opening match as an dual-role player," the selector detailed.
"He was only going to play the starting games regardless. How he handles the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, should it hinder progress for a short period, we opted to adopt a safer strategy."
Series Schedule
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
