The pace bowler has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 five-day games with an impressive average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has declared that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the upcoming Ashes series.
Speculation had been growing that the veteran bowler might be unavailable due to a persistent back stress problem that had not yet healed.
Earlier indications from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding whether he would play, with the Test matches scheduled to begin on the 21st of November in Western Australia.
Bailey expressed that his recovery is on track and was "optimistic" about the prospects of being involved.
"It's clear that the window is narrowing and multiple considerations at play, not only the physical problem, but further aspects," he commented.
"We're encouraged. [We are] really confident that he'll participate in a significant role. With luck starting in Perth. Otherwise, we'll reassess."
Injury History
Cummins was ruled out the white-ball matches against New Zealand and India recently after scans revealed a lower back issue.
There is a track record of back injuries, with setbacks in multiple past seasons forcing him out of multiple domestic campaigns in a short span.
The bowler mentioned he would be ""aggressive" and "take risks" in his rehabilitation process to secure his spot for the Ashes.
He mentioned that he did not know if the captain had resumed bowling as part of his rehabilitation but admitted it was "getting tight" for him to be fit for the opener.
Backup Options
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
Versatile player Green was recently pulled out from Australia's squad for their ODI contests against the subcontinent side as a preventive step because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described it as a "minor" injury and mentioned that Green will play in the domestic first-class competition, so will be "well-prepared to resume bowling."
"Considerable effort has gone into creating the schedule for him to take part for the initial game as an all-rounder," he elaborated.
"He was only going to play the first two ODIs anyway. His aggressive style the cricket bat in white-ball cricket, if it causes any delay for 24 more hours, the choice was made to approach this more conservatively."
Match Calendar
The Ashes: Australia v England
From November 21, 2025 to January 7, 2026
