The Australian skipper has secured 309 Test scalps in 71 appearances with an stellar bowling average.
Australia's chair of selectors George Bailey has confirmed that pace spearhead Cummins will play a "major part" in the forthcoming Ashes series.
Rumors had circulated that the 32-year-old might sit out due to a ongoing back issue that had not yet healed.
Initial reports from team management suggested no official announcement had been made regarding Cummins' participation, with the Test matches kicking off on November 21 in Perth.
He revealed that Cummins is "building up" and felt positive about the prospects of participating.
"We're aware that the window is narrowing and various factors at play, not just his injury, but other factors as well," the selector added.
"It's positive. [We are] really confident that he will feature a significant role. Ideally starting in Perth. If not, we'll reassess."
Past Concerns
The captain missed the white-ball matches against both Asian and Trans-Tasman rivals recently after medical tests showed a lower back issue.
He has a history of spinal problems, with setbacks in multiple past seasons causing him to miss three Australian summers in a short span.
He emphasized he would be bold in recovery efforts in his recovery plan to ensure his availability for the series.
He mentioned that it was unclear if he had started his bowling workouts as part of his rehabilitation but conceded it was "becoming urgent" for him to recover fully for the initial match.
Contingency Plans
In case of absence, ex-skipper Smith will take over the captaincy.
The talented all-rounder was recently pulled out from the ODI lineup for their one-day international series against the subcontinent side as a precautionary measure because of an abdominal issue.
Bailey described 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 take part for the opening match as an all-rounder," Bailey explained.
"Originally, he'd only feature in the first two ODIs anyway. The way he swings the willow in shorter formats, should it hinder progress for another day, we just made the decision to take a cautious route."
Fixture Details
Australia vs England: The Ashes
21 November 2025 - 7 January 2026
